Manzano links video piracy to terrorism

Terrorists are being funded by proceeds from the sale of pirated video discs and other fake products, a government official said yesterday.

Quoting an International Police (Interpol) report, Optical Media Board chairman Edu Manzano said people indirectly involved in selling pirated video discs are sympathizers of terrorists. (The OMB used to be the Videogram Regulatory Board).

"There have been some links made now by the Interpol that shows some of the proceeds being generated from counterfeit and pirated goods are used to fund terrorist activities, with direct links or indirect links," he said.

"In this business, they may channel some of the proceeds to operations of certain terrorist groups. I am not saying it is existent in the country today. But it is happening in many, many countries around the world," Manzano told reporters.

He said people selling DVDs, VCDs, audio compact discs, and computer software must now get a license from the OMB before they can engage in the business.

Their permit, license or registration from any national and local government agency would automatically be cancelled if they fail to obtain a license from the OMB, he added.

Manzano said establishments selling these optical media products can only conduct business in the places indicated in their licenses.

The registration from the OMB, which is valid for three years, must be prominently displayed in their place of business, and can be cancelled for cause, he added.

Speaking at the Bureau of Customs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manzano said the link between manufacturers of pirated video discs and terrorists go all the way from Northern Ireland to the rebels of Columbia.

Manzano said two containers of contraband goods seized in Beirut recently had been traced to China, where they had originated before being shipped to Turkey and then to Lebanon.

The fake DVDs, VCDs, break pads, and shock absorbers were apparently made in Germany, he added.

Manzano said the Interpol has discovered that money from the sale of these fake products was being channeled to terrorist groups.

"The goods were also found in warehouses in areas influenced by Hezbollah (terrorists in Lebanon)," he said.

Manzano said the government has no evidence that Filipino Muslims are contributing or taking part in the alliance between terrorists and manufacturers of pirated video discs.